Participatory Futures
Design Futures/Fiction
Involving stakeholders, users, or communities in the co-creation of future scenarios and designs. Participatory futures ensure diverse perspectives and enhance the relevance and acceptance of speculative design outcomes.
In practice
In inclusive design practices, participatory futures involve actively engaging diverse stakeholders, including end-users and community members, in the co-creation of future scenarios and design solutions. Designers use participatory methods such as workshops, surveys, and collaborative sessions to ensure that a broad range of perspectives and voices contribute to envisioning and shaping possible futures, fostering inclusivity and equity in the design process.
Questions
What is Participatory Futures?
Participatory futures brings the public into imagining and shaping possible futures, rather than leaving that to experts and institutions.
Why do you use Participatory Futures?
The futures people will have to live in are usually designed by people who will not. Participation changes both the scenarios and their legitimacy.
How do you use/apply Participatory Futures?
Run open, accessible sessions with materials that let non-specialists contribute, and carry the results into real decisions.
When do you use Participatory Futures?
In civic, policy and community planning work.
Who uses Participatory Futures?
Futures practitioners, civic designers and communities.
